2020 Mazda CX-9 Overview
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 continues to impress as a stylish and engaging option in the three-row SUV segment. It blends upscale design with a surprisingly fun driving experience, making it a compelling choice for families and individuals seeking a more refined and dynamic ride.
Highlights
- Engine: All 2020 CX-9 models are powered by a potent 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a robust 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel, and slightly less with regular. It's paired exclusively with a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides confident acceleration for merging onto highways and passing maneuvers, while still offering decent fuel efficiency for its class.
- Safety Features: Mazda prioritizes safety, and the 2020 CX-9 comes generously equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) standard on most trims. Key features include:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go: This system maintains a set speed and distance to the vehicle ahead, automatically braking and accelerating to keep you centered in your lane and to avoid collisions. The Stop & Go functionality makes it particularly useful in heavy traffic.
- Smart Brake Support: This forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking system helps prevent or mitigate frontal impacts. It can detect vehicles and pedestrians.
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist: These systems alert you if you drift out of your lane and can provide gentle steering intervention to keep you on track.
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert: These systems are invaluable for safe lane changes and reversing. Blind Spot Monitoring warns you of vehicles in your blind spots, while Rear Cross Traffic Alert warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
- Trim Summary: The 2020 CX-9 is available in four distinct trims, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features:
- Sport: The entry-level trim still provides a solid foundation with a good selection of standard features, including cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and the core ADAS suite.
- Touring: This trim elevates the experience with leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and additional comfort features.
- Grand Touring: Moving up, the Grand Touring adds a premium touch with Nappa leather seating, a heated steering wheel, a Bose premium audio system, ventilated front seats, and a heads-up display.
- Signature: The top-tier Signature trim offers the ultimate in luxury, featuring premium Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, unique interior stitching, and a more sophisticated exterior appearance.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Driving Dynamics: Unlike many three-row SUVs that prioritize comfort over engagement, the CX-9 offers a surprisingly agile and enjoyable driving experience. Its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering make it feel more like a larger sedan or crossover, a welcome trait for driving enthusiasts.
- Interior Quality and Design: The CX-9's cabin is a standout feature, exuding a premium feel with high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and excellent fit and finish. It truly punches above its weight in terms of perceived luxury.
- Third-Row Usability: While the third row is generally best suited for children or shorter adults on longer journeys, it is more usable than in some competitors, offering a decent amount of headroom and legroom for its class.
What to Expect
The ownership experience of a 2020 Mazda CX-9 is generally characterized by a premium feel and engaging driving dynamics. Routine maintenance will align with other vehicles in its class, typically involving oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements. Mazda's Skyactiv technology is generally known for its reliability.
Maintenance: Expect to follow Mazda's recommended maintenance schedule, which can be found in the owner's manual. Most common services can be performed at any Mazda dealership or a reputable independent mechanic. Parts availability is good.
Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2020 CX-9 will vary depending on your individual circumstances, including your driving record, location, chosen insurance provider, and coverage levels. Generally, as a mid-size SUV with advanced safety features, it will fall within the average range for its segment.
Potential Considerations
- Cargo Space: While the CX-9 offers a respectable amount of cargo space behind the first and second rows, the third-row folding mechanism doesn't create a completely flat load floor. Furthermore, the overall cargo volume behind the third row is less than some larger, more utilitarian rivals in the three-row SUV class.
- Fuel Economy: While its turbocharged engine provides good power, the CX-9's fuel economy figures are not class-leading. However, they are competitive within the premium three-row SUV segment, especially considering its performance.
- Infotainment System: While Mazda's infotainment system is generally user-friendly, some may find the rotary dial controller, especially when the vehicle is in motion, to be less intuitive than a touchscreen-only interface for all functions. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, providing familiar smartphone integration.
Overall Summary
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 remains a compelling and sophisticated choice in the three-row SUV market. It excels in delivering a premium interior experience, engaging driving dynamics, and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. While its cargo capacity might not be the largest in its segment, its refined ride, stylish design, and overall driving enjoyment make it a standout option for those who appreciate a more driver-focused approach to family hauling.
